Thoughtful Thursdays: Show your appreciation for our planet this Thanksgiving

Going “green” isn’t about changing your entire lifestyle all at once. A sustainable lifestyle is achieved by making a series of Thoughtful Choices. Each week, on Thursdays, we will share a simple tip for how we can all help keep our planet healthy.

Your Choice
Show your appreciation for our planet this Thanksgiving by using local, sustainably-farmed ingredients for your holiday feast.

Buying local produce and meats not only ensures the freshest ingredients, but also supports your local economy. Check for farmers’ markets, family farms, community-supported agriculture programs and U-Pick options in your area for the freshest produce, eggs, dairy and grass-fed meat.

After your meal, instead of succumbing to the infamous Tryptophan-induced coma, try heading outside for some fresh air and exercise. Taking a hike is a great way to spend time with your family and to work off that second helping of sweet potato casserole.

If you are hitting the highways to visit family and friends this weekend, maintain the speed limit. Reducing your speed is not only safer, but also improves fuel economy, which saves you money and reduces green house gas emissions. If every family in the United States uses one less gallon of gas per week, greenhouse gases will be reduced by 1 million tons. Also, be sure to also turn down the thermostat and turn off the lights to save energy while you’re away from your home.